Medicines for the Treatment of Bronchitis

Definition

Bronchitis is an inflammatory process affecting the bronchi; more precisely, the inflammation affects the mucosa of the bronchial tree, and can have an acute or chronic course.

Causes

Acute bronchitis is a consequence of viral infections (influenza virus, adenovirus, etc.) and - albeit less frequently - bacterial (Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus Pneumoniae). The chronic form of bronchitis (COPD) is the result of environmental insults such as pollution and smoking.

Symptoms

A light on bronchitis is the emission of whitish, greenish or yellowish mucus or phlegm with a cough: the sputum can be foamy and rather liquid in the case of nonspecific bronchitis, or viscous and greenish when the inflammation of the bronchi is bacterial in nature Other symptoms include: difficulty in swallowing, dyspnoea, joint pain, pharyngitis, fever, flu, cold, hoarse voice.

Natural Cures

The information on Bronchitis - Bronchitis Cure Medicines is not intended to replace the direct relationship between health professional and patient. Always consult your doctor and / or specialist before taking Bronchitis - Medicines to Treat Bronchitis.

Medicines

Abstention from smoking is certainly a good behavioral rule, advantageous and practical, to prevent the chronic form of bronchitis, especially for those particularly sensitive to the disease. Rest, the intake of considerable quantities of liquids, especially hot (tea, milk, soups), and the help of humidifiers for the environment constitute further measures to prevent bronchitis or in any case speed up its recovery when the disease is in progress.
Except for the bacterial form, bronchitis tends to resolve itself in a few days; despite what has been stated, it is a good rule not to underestimate the disease and to recognize it promptly, especially in the case of presumed or ascertained bacterial co-infections. In fact, it should not be forgotten that untreated bacterial bronchitis can degenerate into bronchopneumonia.

The following are the classes of drugs most used in the therapy against bronchitis, and some examples of pharmacological specialties; it is up to the doctor to choose the most suitable active ingredient and dosage for the patient, based on the severity of the disease, the state of health of the patient and his response to treatment:

Antibiotics for the treatment of bacterial bronchitis

Amoxicillin (eg. Amoxicillin, Amoxil and Trimox, Zimox, Augmentin): belonging to the penicillin class. Take 25-500 mg of the drug orally three times a day for 7-10 days. Alternatively, take 500-875 mg of active twice daily. To be taken only in case of bacterial bronchitis.
Azithromycin (eg. Azithromycin, Zitrobiotic, Rezan, Azitrocin): the drug (class: macrolides) should be administered at a dose of 500 mg to be taken orally on the day the symptoms appear, followed by a dose of 250 mg once a day. day for 2-5 days. Again, the "antibiotic" should only be taken when dealing with bacterial bronchitis.
Moxifloxacin (eg Vigamox, Avalox, Octegra): the drug, belonging to the class of quinolones, is generally prescribed for the treatment of chronic bronchitis exacerbated by bacterial infections. It is recommended to take the active ingredient at a dosage of 400 mg orally or intravenously every 24 hours for 5 days.

Antitussives - expectorants for the treatment of cough in the context of bronchitis

Guaifenesin (eg Broncovanil, Vicks Tosse Fluidific), belonging to the class of antitussive-expectorants, this drug is indicated to counter cough in the context of bronchitis. It is recommended to take 200-400 mg of substance orally every 4 hours, as needed. Do not take more than 2.4 grams of active ingredient per day. Guaifenesin can also be found associated with cortisone or opioid derivatives (eg hydrocodone: eg Vicodin, not sold in Italy), formulated in the form of tablets or syrup: the dosage, always perfected by the doctor, involves taking a 1200 mg tablet of Guaifenesin and 20 mg of hydrocodone orally every 12 hours, or two tablets of 575 mg of Guaifenesin and 5 mg of hydrocodone orally every 12 hours.

Bronchodilators for the treatment of bronchitis

Isoetarin: belonging to the class of bronchodilator drugs, isoetarin ensures a relaxing action on bronchial smooth muscles. Particularly suitable for the treatment of the chronic form of bronchitis. Consult your doctor.
Difylline: it is a bronchodilator drug, belonging to the class of methylxanthines. It is taken orally at the dosage indicated by the doctor, based on the severity of the bronchitis. However, the drug is available in tablets - capsules (100-200 mg) or in solution (5-10 ml of active), to be taken orally, 3-4 times a day. Diphylline is also available in combination with guaifenesin, in order to obtain a double effect, dilator of the bronchi and expectorant.
Theophylline (eg Aminomal Elisir, Diffumal, Respicur) theophylline is a xanthine drug used in therapy to reduce the broncho-constricting stimulus. Theophylline is indicated for the treatment of bronchitis associated with asthma: the drug should be taken at a loading dose of 5 mg / kg. Consult your doctor.

Corticosteroids for the treatment of severe bronchitis

In case of complications associated with bronchitis, it is possible to take inhaled corticosteroids (eg Beclometasone, eg Rinoclenil, Becotide nasale). Consult your doctor.

Phytotherapy

Among the natural drugs, the Farfara (Tussilago farfara) performs a good therapeutic action to speed up the healing of bronchitis: the plant acts as an expectorant, antitussive, mucolytic, emollient, as well as regenerating the mucous membrane of the respiratory system.
Drosera too (Drosera rotundifolia) represents a valid aid for the treatment of bronchitis: the plant, in fact, acts as an antispasmodic of the bronchial smooth muscles, disinfectant and anti-inflammatory.